Engram, Jackson remain questionable for Giants’ opener

Two key Giants starters remain question marks for Sunday’s opener — tight end Evan Engram and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

Engram, who suffered a calf injury in the preseason finale, didn’t practice on Wednesday. Jackson, who has an ankle injury, participated in individual drills but not in team drills, saying he took “mental reps.’’

“He’s going to do some things separate with the trainers on another field and then we’ll take a look and see how he’s going to look [Thursday],’’ Giants coach Joe Judge said of Engram on Wednesday.

Jackson was vague on whether he would be medically cleared to play. If he can’t, the likely starter in his place would be rookie Rodarius Williams.

“[I’m] doing good, I’m trying to get better one day at a time,’’ Jackson said. “I wake up every day, so I can’t complain.”

Jackson, who was listed as “limited” on the injury report, said he hasn’t done any team drills since the injury.

“It’s ultimately up to the coaches and what they decide” on whether he plays Sunday, Jackson said. “I was getting a lot of mental reps [in practice]. Whatever they have me do, I’m willing to do it.”

Jackson acknowledged the degree of difficulty for the Giants’ secondary against a talented Denver receiving corps.

“I played against [Broncos receiver Tim] Patrick at Utah, I played against [Courtland] Sutton before when he was there, never played against [Jerry] Jeudy, but they’re a great, talented receiving corps,’’ he said. “They cause a lot of problems, so you just got to be out there mentally prepared and just do your job.’’

Others on the injury report for the Giants included WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring), LB Justin Hilliard (knee), TE Kyle Rudolph (foot), CB Josh Jackson (calf ), DL Danny Shelton (neck), TE Kaden Smith (knee), OT Andrew Thomas (ankle), RB Saquon Barkley (knee) and WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) — all were listed as “limited participation.’’

Giants starting center Nick Gates has come a long way. He’s gone from swing-man backup who never played center in college to being named one of the team captains — an honor he said on Wednesday still gives him “chills.”

“Definitely a surprise,” he said. “I’m real honored to be a part of the guys and that the guys see me as that kind of person. I mean, right now I’m getting the chills. I’ve just got to keep coming to work and keep doing what I’m doing to show them why they picked me.”

When Gates was asked some questions about QB Daniel Jones being “close to the vest,” Gates asked what was meant by that.

“Well, he doesn’t give us much,’’ the reporter responded.

“I feel like not a lot of us give you guys much to write about,” Gates said with a laugh. “But that’s just Daniel. I wouldn’t say he’s quiet, but that’s just Daniel. He loosens up a little bit, but what you see is kind of what you get from Daniel.”